AMPRO T19087 1/4-Inch Drive Finger Ratchet and Bit Driver

The key features to look for in any device like this are: Ratchet or non-ratchet selection, number of teeth in ratchet, Force required to operate ratchet, Diameter of finger driver, contour of finger wheel, texture of finger wheel, pliability of finger wheel, whether a dual driver is needed, quick release function, and resistance to automotive contaminants. The weight to be applied to these factors depends on the individual and the use intended.For this device the major factors are fine tooth smooth ratchet operation, contour of the finger wheel, and dual driver so no bit adaptor is needed. The dual drive also enables a ratchet off feature.Since this is a dual drive, a ratchet off feature can be incorporated by installing a spinner on the side not in use at the time. For instance, if you are using the ¼ hex drive, an adaptor and spinner may be installed on the other side for a center off function for starting fasteners where a rocking back and forth is needed.Purchase of the AmPro T19087 assumes that you already own or have access to sockets, adapters, extensions, screwdriver bits and “spinners”.The AmPro T19087 is light in weight (but not light in strength) and great for general household use, electronics, hobbies and fine repair. If you are working on cars with large sockets you should probably investigate something else. The Wilmar and SK products are a good bet.The AmPro T19087 is a chrome vanadium steel device with black oxide coating on the drive parts. The finger wheel is smooth plastic coated.The indentations the finger wheel for fingertips suggest that you will be using the AmPro T19087 with the finger tips, suggesting fine control. The finger wheel is fluted and coated with plastic for comfort and freedom from burrs and metal particles. The finger wheel is 1.9-inches in diameter at the tops of the flutes and 1.635-inches in diameter at the bottom of the flutes. This enables you to impart more torque to the finger wheel without your fingers slipping. The finger wheel is 0.435-inches thick at the base.The finger ratchet has 72 teeth or 5-degree rotational increments and operates smoothly with little force.The ratchet action is smooth but does require some resistance to function and therefore the use of this device with a “spinner” such as the Cal-Van 104-3 are needed to hold the drive stationary while ratcheting.The hex bit portion accepts ¼ screwdriver bits and retains the bit through the use of a retaining magnet.The ¼-inch square drive portion has the typical ratchet drive spring loaded ball to retain the socket under use.A plastic ring with raised ridges at the base of the ¼ inch square drive controls the direction of ratchet action by rotation. There is no non-ratchet setting on this device (no center off).You will need an adaptor (such as the Cal-Van Master finger driver set Part number 100 and a Napa 7755957 3/8 square drive to 5/16 screwdriver bit holder) to use 5/16 screwdriver bits with the AmPro T19087.The AmPro is plenty strong since I used it with a 5/16 #3 Phillips screwdriver bit to remove a wood screw from a latch attached to a 4”x4” post on the fence in the back yard. Normally I use an electric drill with screwdriver bit for this installation so is was just a demonstration of the strength of the AmPro T19087. It took both hands on the AmPro T19087 to move these wood screws. However, this device is not meant for brute force application, but fine work like electronics applications.With my right hand and with some discomfort I can apply 30 inch-pounds of force with this device using a KD tools 2955 torque wrench with a ¼ inch drive as a measuring tool. Again, this device is meant to be used at much lower torques.I chose the steel version of this device over the aluminum on the basis of strength.If your application requires pushing on the AmPro T19087 such as installing wood screws, you probably want to select a device that has no drive on the palm side. However, as I indicated, this device is not meant for brute force.I cannot comment on the ability of the plastic parts on this device to withstand oil, grease, gasoline, brake fluid etc. If you have a hostile environment you may want to consider an all metal construction such as the SK 49270 which does not have a bit driver.Garret Wade, Palm Ratchet, Cal-Van, and OEM Tools also make a ¼ drive with ¼ hex screwdriver bit driver.For automotive use I would consider the Wilmar W1716 set which has a bigger cushioned grip area and are generally heavier. Or consider the SK tools devices if you are working in oil, grease, gasoline, or brake fluid.I suggest that you combine this device with the Cal-Van Master finger driver set Part number 100 for maximum versatility.

This is a great little tool for your EDC bag or a light tool bag. It is very portable and it gets the job done. I've found it to be compatible with every 1//4 inch bit I've tossed at it and, if you are like me you have dozens of them all over the workshop or tool bag. I've had this bit driver for over a year and it is just as dependable now as it was the day I got it.

Great tool ,good quality..helps a lot in tight spaces..

I use tools professionally and this is just the right size. I haven't found any others with a square drive on one side and ahex drive on the other. The ratchet action is excellent. I lost the first one i owned and searched Google images for hours beforeIran across it. I am thinking about getting a backup. The price is right.

Works as advertised

Good quality and work great.

Perfect for tire hex valve caps tight (no more use my fingers tight) Say "Good-Bye! to my fingers". Often time tire valve caps lost without AMPRO

Compact, super useful!